Exercise machine

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine comprises a housing and a resistive force apparatus. The housing has a cavity therein and a plurality of exterior faces. The resistive force apparatus is attached to the housing within the cavity. The resistive force apparatus includes a plurality of flexible tension members each having an end accessible at one of said exterior faces of the housing. Each one of the flexible tension members is movable between a respective retracted position and a respective extended position with respect to the housing. Each one of the flexible tension members is biased to its respective retracted position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This United States Non-Provisional Utility Patent Application claimspriority to co-pending United States Provisional Patent Applicationhaving Ser. No. 60/496,232 filed Aug. 19, 2003, entitled “ExerciseMachine”, and having a common applicant herewith.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to exercise machines and,more particularly, to exercise machines employing flexible tensionmembers to communicate forces to a user.

BACKGROUND

Various types and configurations of exercise machines are known (i.e.,conventional exercise machines). Such conventional exercise machines aregenerally configured for increasing body strength, promotingcardio-vascular fitness, sculpting muscles and/or promoting limberness.Furthermore, such conventional exercise machines are generallyconfigured for use by a single user or small group of users (e.g.,within a home) or for consistent use by a large group of users (e.g.,use within a health club or gym).

Such conventional exercise machines are known to have limitations thatadversely affect their effectiveness, desirability and/or practicality.One limitation is that certain conventional exercise machines are notconfigured for supporting one or more categories of use (e.g.,increasing body strength, promoting cardio-vascular fitness, sculptingmuscles or promoting limberness). For example, conventional exercisemachines often are intended primarily for either increasing strength orpromoting cardio-vascular fitness. Another limitation is that certainconventional exercise machines are configured only for use with aparticular part of the body, muscle or muscle group. Another limitationis that certain conventional exercise machines are cumbersome, taking upvaluable space. For example, some conventional exercise machinesconfigured for home use often take up a significant portion of spacewithin a room during use and/or when stored between uses. Anotherlimitation is that certain conventional exercise machines detractaesthetically from a space where it resides (e.g., a room of a house),particularly when it is not configured for being stored in anout-of-sight location (e.g., under a bed). Another limitation is thatcertain conventional exercise machines are not readily and convenientlyportable. Such limitation in portability often results in interruptionsin an exercise routine due, for example, to travel. Still anotherlimitation is that use of certain conventional exercise machines iscomplicated and/or intimidating thereby creating a disincentive to beginand sustain an exercise regimen. Yet another limitation is that manyconventional exercise machines are relatively expensive to buy and/ormaintain, thus limiting their appeal to certain buyers.

Therefore, an exercise machine that overrcomes limitations associatedwith such conventional exercise machines would be useful and novel.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, an exercise machine comprises a housing and aresistive force apparatus. The housing has a plurality of exteriorfaces. The resistive force apparatus is attached to the housing. Theresistive force apparatus includes a plurality of flexible tensionmembers each having an end accessible at at least one of the exteriorfaces of the housing. Each one of the flexible tension members ismovable between a respective fully retracted position and a respectiveextended position with respect to the housing. Each one of the flexibletension members is biased to its respective retracted position.

In another embodiment, an exercise machine comprises a housing, aresistive force apparatus and means for promoting translation of thehousing with respect to a supporting exercise surface. The housing has aplurality of exterior faces. The resistive force apparatus is attachedto the housing. The resistive force apparatus includes a resilienttension member (i.e., flexible and capable of being elongated) having anend accessible at one of the exterior faces of the housing and beingretractably mounted on the housing. Elongation of the resilient tensionmember results in a respective resistive force being generated by theresilient tension member. A magnitude of the respective resistive forceis dependent upon a magnitude of the elongation.

In another embodiment, an exercise system comprises an exercise machine,an accessory pad and a force application device. The exercise machineincludes a housing and a resistive force apparatus attached to thehousing. The resistive force apparatus includes a plurality of flexibletension members each accessible at at least one of a plurality ofexterior faces of the housing. Each one of the flexible tension membersis movable between a respective retracted position and a respectiveextended position with respect to the housing. Each one of the flexibletension members is biased to its respective retracted position. Theaccessory pad is preferably configured for being detachably mounted onthe housing, has a plurality of linked sections and is capable of beingplaced on the underlying exercise surface to provide adequate paddingfor an engaged portion of a user's body. One portion of the forceapplication device is configured for being removably attached to one ormore of the flexible tension members. Another portion of the forceapplication device is configured for at least one of being gripped by afirst one of a user's appendage and being strapped to a second one ofthe user's appendage.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the inventive disclosures madeherein to provide a novel and advantageous exercise machine and exercisesystems that overcome limitations associated with conventional exercisemachines and systems. Specifically, exercise machines and systems inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein areconfigured for supporting one or more categories of use (e.g.,increasing body strength, promoting cardiovascular fitness, sculptingmuscles or promoting limberness), are configured forexercising/promoting fitness of a plurality of parts of a body, musclesor muscle group, are space-saving (e.g., do not take up valuable space,do not detract aesthetically from an area of use), are readily andconveniently portable, are simple and non-intimidating to use, and arerelatively expensive to buy and/or maintain.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, atleast one flexible tension member has a first end thereof and a secondend thereof each accessible at at least one exterior face of a housingof the exercise machines.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, thefirst end is accessible at a first one of the exterior faces and thesecond end is accessible at a second one of the exterior faces.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein,each one of the flexible tension members extends through a respectivefriction reducing mechanism mounted on the housing.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, therespective friction reducing mechanism for each one of the flexibletension members is spaced apart from each other respective frictionreducing mechanism.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, therespective friction reducing mechanism for each one of the flexibletension members enables a corresponding one of the flexible tensionmembers to be extended in a plurality of different orientations withlimited friction and wear of the flexible tension members.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, asupport pad is exposed at one of the exterior faces of the housing,thereby defining a corresponding support surface.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, thesupport pad is compliant for providing a cushioned support surface.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, theresistive force apparatus includes a plurality of guide memberassemblies attached to the housing.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein,each one of the guide member assemblies has at least one of the flexibletension members at least partially wrapped around it.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, atleast one of the guide member assemblies includes stacked guide membersthat each has at least one of the flexible tension members at leastpartially wrapped around it.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein,each one of the flexible tension members is resilient, wherebyelongation of one of the flexible tension members results in arespective resistive force being generated by the one of the flexibletension members.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, afirst one of the flexible tension members exhibits a different level ofresilience than a second one of the flexible tension members, wherebythe first one of the flexible tension members produces a respectiveresistive force different than a respective resistive force of thesecond one of the flexible tension members for a given degree ofelongation.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein,each one of the flexible tension members engage a same set of guidemember assemblies, which preferably have stacked guide members.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, theresistive force apparatus includes one of a weighted flywheelarrangement, a frictional force arrangement and a spring arrangement,which is coupled to at least one flexible tension member for imparting aresistive force on the flexible tension member.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, ameans for promoting translation of the housing with respect to asupporting exercise surface is provided

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, themeans for promoting translation includes at least one of a wheel, aroller and a friction reducing slider member.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, thehousing of the exercise machine has a plurality of corners, the meansfor promoting translation includes a plurality of wheels attached to thehousing and one or more of the wheels is attached to the housingproximate a respective one of the corners of the housing.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, anaccessory pad is provided in conjunction with the exercise machine.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, theaccessory pad is compliant.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, theaccessory pad is positioned within a recess of the housing.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, theaccessory pad removably resides within a receptacle within the housing.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, theaccessory pad includes a first section and a second section joined tothe first section by a flexible link, whereby the first section and thesecond section are positionable on a supporting exercise surface atvarious distances from each with the flexible link defining a maximumseparation distance therebetween.

These and other embodiments and associated objects of the inventivedisclosures made herein will become readily apparent upon further reviewof the following specification and associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is depicts an exercise machine in accordance with an embodimentof the inventive disclosures made herein.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a friction reducing means of the exercise machinedepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5A depicts a resilient tension member routing configuration of aresistive force mechanism in accordance with a first alternateembodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein.

FIG. 5B depicts a resilient tension member routing configuration of aresistive force mechanism in accordance with a second alternateembodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view depicting a force application device inaccordance with an embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict an accessory pad in accordance with an embodimentof the inventive disclosures made herein, which is interconnected by aflexible link.

FIG. 8 depicts an accessory pad in accordance with an embodiment of theinventive disclosures made herein, which is interconnected by matinginterlinked features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exercise machine 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein. The exercisemachine 100 includes a housing 102, a resistive force apparatus 104attached to the housing 102, a plurality of wheels 106 attached to thehousing 102 and a support pad 107 mounted on the housing 102. Thehousing 102 has a cavity 108 therein and a plurality of exterior faces110. The housing 102 preferably has a built-in handle 109 that allowsthe exercise machine 100 to be easily carried, that assists the user inperforming certain exercises and movements, and that enables theexercise machine 100 to be conveniently hung for storage.

Preferably, the housing 102 includes a main housing portion having thecavity 108 therein and a cover portion, which snap together or areotherwise removably connected by means of screws or other typefasteners. The housing 102 serves as a structure that houses theresistive force apparatus 104 in such a way that the componentscomprised by the resistive force apparatus 104 are essentially concealedand out of the way when not being used. The housing 102 also serves as aplatform to support various portions of a user's body (e.g., buttocks,knees, feet, elbows, forearms, hands, etc). Accordingly, the housing 102is preferably made of a strong, rigid material (e.g., plastic or metal),such that it is durable and able to support the weight of a typical userwhile the user is performing various exercises and/or movements.Preferably, the housing 102 includes a plurality of pillars 103 thatextend between top and bottom walls of the housing 102 and that arepositioned for increasing structural support and rigidity of the housing102.

It is preferable for the housing 102 to be capable of being taken apartafter initial assembly to allow for the replacement or repair ofinternal components (e.g., components comprised by the resistive forceapparatus 104). Preferably, the size of the housing 102 strikes abalance between being compact for portability and efficient storage andbeing large enough to provide enough room for the resistive forceapparatus 104 and to serve as a comfortable platform to support variousparts of the user's body. For example, one suitable size for the housing102 has been found to be roughly about 15″ wide by roughly about 15″long. Other sizes for the housing 102 will be contemplated in view ofthe disclosures made herein and specific applications.

The resistive force apparatus 104 includes a plurality of resilienttension members 112. Elongation of one of the resilient tension members112 results in a respective resistive force being generated by that oneof the flexible tension members 112. A magnitude of the respectiveresistive force is dependent upon a magnitude of the elongation.

In one embodiment of the resilient tension members 112, a first one ofthe resilient tension members 112 exhibits a different level-ofresilience than a second one of the resilient tension members 112. Forexample, the first one of the resilient tension members 112 has a firststrain rate (e.g., a strain rate corresponding to a first size shockcord) and the second one of the resilient tension members 112 has asecond strain rate (e.g., a strain rate corresponding to a second sizeof a shock cord), which is different than the first strain rate. In thismanner, the first one of the resilient tension members 112 produces arespective resistive force different than a respective resistive forceof the second one of the resilient tension members 112 for a givendegree of elongation. Thus, by joining the first ends 114 of two or moreof the resilient tension members 112, the resistive force apparatus 104enables an adjustable range of resistive forces to be provided. Examplesof such resilient tension members 112 include pieces of shock cord,bungee cord, latex tubing, rubber bands and the like. Thus, suchresilient tension members 112 are preferably flexible in addition tobeing resilient.

Each one of the tension members 112 has a first end 114 accessible atone of the exterior faces 110 of the housing 102 and a second end 116secured to the housing 102 by a locking means 118 (e.g., a maze lock).The first end 114 of each one of the resilient tension members 112 ismovable between a respective retracted position (i.e. proximate arespective face 110 of the housing 102) and a respective extendedposition with respect to the housing 102. Each one of the resilienttension members 112 is biased to its respective retracted positiondependent upon its resiliency and static length (e.g., cut length). Thefirst end 114 of each one of the resilient tension members 112incorporates a means for attaching a force application device (e.g., ahandle and/or foot strap). Such means for attaching the forceapplication device includes a loop, a hook, a clip and otherarrangements for enabling attachment to the force application device.

It is advantageous for the second end 116 of each one of the resilienttension members 112 to not have any loops, clips or clamps to hold themin place. In this manner, the resilient tension members 112 can bereadily replaced by removing the second end 116 from the locking means118 and pulling them through the friction reducing means 120. Newresilient tension means 112 are installed by reversing this process.

The support pad 107 is mounted on and exposed at a top surface of thehousing 102. The support pad 107 thereby defines a corresponding supportsurface. The purpose of the support pad is to provide cushioning forvarious parts of a user's body while the user exercises or performsmovements using the exercise machine 100. In one embodiment, the supportpad 107 is compliant, thus defining a compliant support surface.

Each one of the wheels 106 is preferably attached adjacent to respectivecorners of the housing 102 at respective positions of the exterior faces110 of the housing 102. The wheels 106 create a clearance between abottom surface of the housing 102 and an underlying supporting exercisesurface, even when a user of the exercise machine 100 places some or allof their body weight on the exercise machine 100. The wheels 106 are anembodiment of a means for promoting translation of the housing 102 withrespect to a supporting exercise surface. Other embodiments of means forpromoting translation of the housing 102 include rollers, frictionreducing slider member (e.g., made from a low friction material) and thelike.

Such means for promoting translation enables the exercise machine 100 tobe used as a moving platform that moves along the exercise surface toperform a number of useful exercises that depend upon translation of thehousing 102. In this manner, such means for promoting translation allowa user to perform exercises and movements using such moving platform forsupport and/or a means of resistance. The means for promotingtranslation reduces friction between the exercise machine 100 and anunderlying exercise surface, thus promoting movement of the exercisemachine 100 on the underlying surface.

In order to provide for smooth and quiet rolling motion and to preventscratching or marking of the supporting exercise surface, the wheels 106are preferably made of urethane, rubber or similar material and areoutfitted with bearings. In one embodiment (not shown), the exercisemachine 100 incorporates a braking mechanism that selectively preventsrotation of one or more of the wheels 106. In one example, the brakingmechanism includes a bar, a lever and/or a pad that contacts (e.g.,compresses against) a portion of one or more of the wheels 106 toprevent such one or more wheels 106 from rotating. Alternatively, a rodor bar can be extended to engage a hole or a slot in a hub of one ormore of the wheels 106 to prevent the hub from rotating. Such a brakingmechanism would allow the user to prevent the exercise machine 100 frommoving so that the user can use the housing 102 as a stable, non-movingplatform with which to perform certain exercises. In order to avoid thecost and/or complexity of incorporating a separate braking mechanism, itis contemplated and intended that the exercise machine 100 (as depictedin FIG. 1) can be turned over so the support pad 107 rests on and gripsthe underlying exercise surface. In this position, the wheels 106 do notengage the supporting exercise surface, thereby enabling the user tosit, kneel or otherwise use the bottom of the housing as the stable,non-rolling platform.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, each one of the resilient tension members112 extends through a respective friction reducing mechanism 120 mountedon the housing 102. The respective friction reducing mechanism 120 foreach one of the resilient tension members 112 is spaced apart from eachother respective friction reducing mechanism 120. The respectivefriction reducing mechanism 120 for each one of the resilient tensionmembers 112 enables a corresponding one of the resilient tension members112 to be extended from the housing 102 in a plurality of differentorientations with limited friction and wear thereto.

One embodiment of each one of the friction reducing means 120 includesrespective spaced-apart pairings of a cylindrical center roller and twoflared edge rollers, which spin around respective shafts that aremounted on the housing 102. Another embodiment of each one of thefriction reducing means 120 includes spaced-apart pairs of hourglassshaped rollers that spin around respective shafts that are mounted onthe housing 102. A stopping member 121 is attached adjacent the firstend 114 of each one of the tension members 112 for preventing the firstend 114 of each one of the resilient tension members 112 from beingpulled through the friction reducing means 120 into the housing 102,thus defining the retracted position of the first end 114 of each one ofthe resilient tension members 112. Other embodiments (not shown) of thefriction reducing means 120 include a set of flared grommets orbushings, a block of low friction material with a series of flared boresand other similar friction reducing arrangements.

It is advantageous for the friction reducing means 120 to be configuredfor providing functionality regardless of orientation of the housing 102of the exercise machine 100. In doing so, the friction reducing means120 allows the exercise machine 100 to be used in any number ororientations (e.g., with the housing face up or turned upside down).

As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, the resistive force apparatus 104 includesa plurality of guide member assemblies 122 attached to the housing 102.Each one of the guide member assemblies 122 includes one or more guidemembers 124 (e.g., pulleys, rollers and/or other rotation guide means)that rotate freely about a respective post 123. Preferably, eachrespective post 123 is integrally formed with the housing 102 and servesas a load-bearing pillar that extends between a top wall 117 and abottom wall 119 of the housing 102. In this manner, the load bearingability of the housing 102 is enhanced greatly by and is dependent uponthe quality and spacing of the posts 123.

Assuming that the guide members 124 and the posts 123 are made of commonmaterials (e.g., plastic), sleeves 125 and washers 127 made of lowfriction material (such as brass) are preferably used to provide smooth,non-galling contact surfaces for the guide members 124. For the guidemember assemblies 122 having more than one guide member 124, each guidemember 124 is mounted in a stacked manner (i.e., stacked guide members).For the guide member assemblies 122 having a single guide member 124, aspacer 126 is used to take up the free space in order to prevent theguide member 124 from shifting up and down the post 123. Each one of theguide member assemblies 122 has one or more of the resilient tensionmembers 112 at least partially wrapped around them.

It has been discovered that if one of the resilient tension members 112is elongated in use and then released quickly, its rapid deceleration asthe stopping member 121 engages the friction reducing means 120 oftencauses adequate reverberation to derail it from one of the engaged guidemembers 124. Thus, in order to avoid or minimize the potential for suchderailment, it is desirable and advantageous for the guide members 124to have deep grooves forming their side walls such that the side wallcompletely shroud the engaged resilient tension members 112.

FIG. 2 depicts a first embodiment of a resilient tension member routingconfiguration in accordance with the inventive disclosures made herein,which enables only the first end 114 of each one of the resilienttension members 112 to be accessed for facilitating elongation of theresilient tension members 112. Each one of the resilient tension members112 wraps around a respective first engaged one of the guide memberassemblies 122. In order to minimize wear and prevent derailment, thefirst engaged one of the respective guide member assembly 122 for eachone of the resilient tension members 112 is positioned and/or sized suchthat the resilient tension members 112 extend essentially parallel toeach other between the their respective friction reducing means 120 andthe respective first engaged one of the guide member assemblies 122.

As depicted in FIG. 2, each one of the resilient tension members 112engages a different first engaged one 129 of the guide member assemblies122 and each one of the first engaged one of the guide member assemblies122 is of essentially a common effective diameter. Accordingly, theposition of each first engaged one of the guide member assemblies 122 isthe primary variable for accomplishing such parallel orientation of theresilient tension members (i.e., assuming equal spacing of therespective friction reducing means 120 of each one of the resilienttension members 112).

In FIG. 2, it should be noted that a first one of the resilient tensionmembers 112 that has a highest strain rate (e.g., a ⅜″ diameter shockcord) is routed on guide member assemblies 122 having a single guidemember 124 (i.e., a single-stack guide member configuration) and theremaining two resilient tension members 112 (e.g., ¼″ diameter and{fraction (5/16)}″ diameter shock cords) have lower strain rates thanthe first one of the resilient tension members 112 and are routed oncommon guide member assemblies 122 having two guide members (i.e., adouble-stack guide member configuration). In this manner, loadsassociated with the resistive forces on the housing are effectivelydistributed to reduce the potential for binding and premature wear, topromote smooth operation of the resistive force apparatus 104 and tominimize the fatigue of the posts 123.

Each one of the resilient tension members 112 (still referring to FIG.2) engages a respective plurality of other guide member assemblies 122(i.e., discrete guide members and/or stacked guide members). Therespective total available elongation and respective targeted maximumresistive force for each one of the resilient tension members 112 is atleast partially dependent upon a total length of a respective one of theresilient tension members 112. Thus, for each one of the resilienttension members 112, the respective number of guide member assembliesengaged, the spacing between adjacent guide member assemblies 112 andthe respective resilient tension member strain rate are variablesavailable for achieving a desired resistive force characteristic in thedesign of an exercise machine in accordance with an embodiment of theinventive disclosures made herein (e.g., the exercise machine 100).

FIG. 5A depicts a second embodiment of a resilient tension memberrouting configuration in accordance with the inventive disclosures madeherein, which enables the first end 114 and the second end 116 of eachone of the resilient tension members 112 to be accessed for facilitatingelongation of the resilient tension members 112. Accordingly, asdepicted in FIG. 5A, the first end 114 of each one of the flexibletension members 112 is accessible at a first one of the exterior faces110 and a second end 116 of each one of the flexible tension members 112is accessible at a second one of the exterior faces 110. Such a routingconfiguration enables simultaneous displacement of the first end 114 andthe second end 116 of one or more of the resilient tension members 112.In addition to allowing the user to work both sides of the body at once,such an embodiment allows longer shock cord sections to be used therebyincreasing range of motion for exercises and allowing more efficient andconsistent utilization of the full length of the resilient tensionmembers 112.

Adjacent each end of the resilient tension members 112, each one of theresilient tension members 112 wraps around a respective first engagedone 129 of the guide member assemblies 122. The first engaged one 129 ofthe respective guide member assembly 122 adjacent to each end of eachone of the resilient tension members 112 is positioned and/or sized suchthat the resilient tension members 112 extend essentially parallel toeach other between the their respective friction reducing means 120 andthe respective first engaged one 129 of the guide member assemblies 122.As depicted in FIG. 5A, adjacent each end, each one of the resilienttension members 112 engages a different first engaged one 129 of theguide member assemblies 122 and each one of the first engaged one 129 ofthe guide member assemblies 122 is of essentially a common effectivediameter. Accordingly, the position of each first engaged one 129 of theguide member assemblies 122 is the primary variable for accomplishingsuch parallel orientation of the resilient tension members 112 (i.e.,assuming equal spacing of the respective friction reducing means 120 ofeach one of the resilient tension members 112.

Each one of the resilient tension members 112 (still referring to FIG.5A) engages a respective plurality of other guide member assemblies 122(i.e., discrete guide members and/or stacked guide members). Therespective total available elongation and respective targeted maximumresistive force for each one of the resilient tension members 112 is atleast partially dependent upon a total length of a respective one of theresilient tension members 112. Thus, for each one of the resilienttension members 112, the respective number of guide member assembliesengaged, the spacing between adjacent guide member assemblies 112 andthe respective resilient tension member strain rate are variablesavailable for achieving a desired resistive force characteristic in thedesign of an exercise machine in accordance with an embodiment of theinventive disclosures made herein (e.g., the exercise machine 100).

FIG. 5B depicts a third embodiment of a resilient tension member routingconfiguration in accordance with the inventive disclosures made herein.Such a routing configuration is advantageous in that it enables each oneof the resilient tension members 112 to be relatively long for offeringincreased elongation capability. Furthermore, all of the resilienttension members 112 have an essentially common length.

Each of the resilient tension members 112 (still referring to FIG. 5B)engages all of the guide member assemblies 122. The first end 114 ofeach one of the flexible tension members 112 is accessible at a firstone of the exterior faces 110 and the second end 116 of each one of theresilient tension members 112 terminates at a locking member 118 (e.g.,a post). Adjacent the first end 114 of the resilient tension members112, each one of the resilient tension members 112 wraps around a commonfirst engaged one 129 of one of the guide member assemblies 122. Eachone of the resilient tension members 112 engages a respective pluralityof other guide member assemblies 122 (i.e., stacked guide members).Preferably, each one of the other guide member assemblies 122 arelocated adjacent a respective one of the corners of the housing, thuscontributing to each one of the resilient tension members 112 beingrelatively long.

It should be understood that the purpose of the resistive forceapparatus 104 is to provide resistance for a variety of exercises thatrely on resistive force. It is preferable for the resistive forceapparatus 104 to provide both positive and negative resistance and toprovide an assistive force that can be used to assist the user whileperforming certain movements or exercises. The resilient tension members112 of the resistive force apparatus 104 retract within the housing 102so that they are out of sight and out of the way when they are not inuse. The retractability of the resilient tension members 112 isadvantageous in that it, for example, protects the resilient tensionmembers when they are not in use, makes the exercise machine 100convenient and simple to use, enhances the appearance of the exercisemachine 100 and makes exercise machine 100 easy to transport and store.

Alternatively, the resistive force apparatus 104 can be configured toprovide a resistive force by various other ways besides having resilienttension members. In one such alternate embodiment, the resistive forceapparatus 104 includes a flexible (i.e., non-resilient) tension membercoupled to a means for generating a resistive force that is mountedwithin the housing 102. One example of such means for generating aresistive force includes a weighted flywheel arrangement that providesincreasing resistance as the flexible tension member is pulled fasterand that is coupled to a spring-loaded reel, which retracts the flexibletension member and winds it up. A plurality of weighed flywheelarrangements can be selectively coupled together to provide anadjustable range of resistive forces. Another example of such means forgenerating a resistive force includes a variable friction system that iscoupled to a spring-loaded reel arrangement for providing resistancewhen the flexible tension member is pulled. The spring-loaded reelarrangement then retracts the flexible cable member. Such frictionsystem could consist of a belt, pad or clamp that is adjusted (such asby a turn knob or lever, etc.) to provide an adjustable friction forceto a portion of the cable reel. Yet another example of such means forgenerating a resistive force includes a spring loaded reel arrangementthat engages a variable spring force arrangement for providing aresistive force on the flexible tension member. Variability could beaccomplished by engaging a variable number of springs within thevariable spring force arrangement or by engaging one or more springs atdifferent positions along the spring(s) thereby altering the effectivespring rate of the spring(s).

FIG. 6 depicts a force application device 200 in accordance with anembodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, which enables auser to apply a force on a flexible and/or resilient tension member asdisclosed herein. The force application device 200 includes a means 205for being attached to the resistive force apparatus of an exercisemachine as disclosed herein. (e.g., a hook configured for being attachedto a looped portion of a flexible tension member). The force applicationdevice 200 is configured for being gripped by a first one of a user'sappendage (e.g., a hand) and/or being strapped to a second one of theuser's appendage (e.g., a foot or ankle).

It is preferable that the portion of the force application device 200that is configured for being gripped (i.e., a hand gripping portion 210)has a length that balances stability for one-handed operation with theability to be held with both hands to perform certain exercises such asupright rowing, etc. It has been discovered that if the hand grippingportion 210 is too long, it will be unstable for one-handed exercisessuch as curling, tricep extensions, etc. If it is too short, the userwill not be able to hold it effectively with two hands. A length ofapproximately 6″ is an example of a suitable length for the handgripping portion 210, which meets this balance.

It is contemplated herein that the hand gripping portion 210 can be madein various ways and out of various materials such as plastic, metal,strapping (such as nylon or polypropylene webbing), or combinations ofthe foregoing. The hand gripping portion 210 preferably has a cover(such as foam, rubber, etc.) to provide comfort and enhanced gripping.The hand gripping portion 210 also preferably has a swivel device 215that allows the user to rotate their hand(s) without correspondinglytwisting the flexible tension member(s) of the exercise machine.

The portion of the force application device 200 that is configured forbeing strapped (e.g., strapping portion 220) enables the user to engagethe resistive force apparatus with one or both of their feet. Thestrapping portion 220 includes a strap that is configured for beingattached to (e.g., secured around) a foot or ankle to form a simple foothold. As depicted, the strapping portion 220 includes a first segment225 and a second segment 230 that are attachable to each other viafastening means such as snaps, hook and loop fastener or the like.

Optionally, the hand gripping portion 210 is used in conjunction withstrapping portion 220 to form a stirrup that provides simple yetsuperior resistance engagement for certain exercises (e.g., seated legextension). It is contemplated herein that the strapping portion 220 canbe made in various ways and out of various materials such as plastic,metal, strapping (such as nylon or polypropylene webbing), orcombinations of the foregoing. The strapping portion 220 preferably hasa padded portion (such as foam, rubber, etc.) to provide more comfortand grip. The strapping portion 220 can preferably be used toconveniently hang the exercise machine (e.g., from a curtain rod, doorknob or similar device) without the need for additional hardware itemssuch as a hook.

The exercise machine 100 may, optionally, include an accessory pad 300,embodiments of which are discussed below and depicted in FIGS. 7A, 7Band 8. The accessory pad 300 preferably consists of two separatesections that can be placed on the underlying exercise surface toprovide adequate padding for an engaged portion of a user's body. Forexample, each section of the accessory pad 300 includes one or morepieces of foam, cushion, sponge or other similar compliant materialwith, optionally, a covering made of woven material, leather, etc. It isalso preferable that each section of the accessory pad 300 has athickness that approximates the overall height of the exercise machine100 when the sections of the accessory pad 300 are removed from thehousing 102 and are stacked on top of each other. In this manner, theaccessory pad 300 facilitates certain exercises (e.g., kneeling inwardsplit where one of the user's knees is placed on top of the stackedsections of the accessory pad 300 and the user's other knee is placed ontop of the housing 102 of the exercise machine 100). Optionally, thehousing 102 includes a recessed portion (not specifically shown), andthe accessory pad 300 is at least partially disposed within the recessfor storage. Optionally, the accessory pad 300 is configured for beingplaced on top of the underside of the housing 102 in order to providecushion and comfort when the exercise machine 100 has been turned over.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an embodiment of an accessory pad 300 isdepicted, which includes a first section 305 and a second section 310that are adjoined by a flexible link 315. A length of flexible materialsuch as cloth, webbing, strapping, elastic webbing or the like is anexample of the flexible link 315. In this manner, the first and thesecond sections (305, 310) can be positioned on an exercise surface atvarious distances from one another in such a way that they will not slipapart during exercises or movements. The flexible link 315, whensufficiently long, also allows the first and the second sections (305,310) to be temporarily wrapped around, for example, the housing 102 ofthe exercise machine 100 for convenient storage and/or shipping. Edgesof the first and the second sections (305, 310) have fastening means 320(e.g., hook and loop fastener, snaps, grommets or the like) for enablingthe first and the second sections (305, 310) to be held in place afterthey have been wrapped around the housing 102.

Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of an accessory pad 300 is depicted,which includes a first section 350 and a second section 355 that areconfigured for being interlinked in side-by-side relationship byrespective mating ‘puzzle-like’ features 360. In this manner, the firstsection 350 and the second section 355 can be joined together withoutthe need for discrete fastening means (e.g., hook and loop fastener,snaps, grommets or the like).

Various alternate embodiments of exercise machines and systems inaccordance with the inventive disclosures made herein are contemplatedand disclosed herein. In one such alternate embodiment, an exercisemachine has a single resilient tension member, one or more accessorypads, an accessory pad receptacle preferably in the underside (i.e.,extending through a bottom face of the housing) of the exercise machinehousing in which the accessory pad(s) is conveniently stored (e.g., by afriction fit or hook and fastening means), and a handle which is used tocarry the exercise machine and/or to perform certain exercises. Thehandle is permanently attached to the resilient tension member and isconfigured for being quickly attached to and detached from the exercisemachine housing (e.g., by a twisting motion).

In another such alternate embodiment, a pair of exercise machines (e.g.,a pair of the exercise machines 100 depicted in FIG. 1) is detachablylinked together such that they can be used independently to perform awide variety of exercises and used in a jointed manner to performadditional exercises. To facilitate interconnection, the each one of theexercise machines comprises interconnection means mounted to theexercise machine housing (e.g., a set of hooks) at respective matingpositions. Thus, when the two exercise machines are butted against eachother with the first end of the flexible tension members of the firstexercise machine facing a mating hook of the second exercise machine,the exercise machines can be interconnected by hooking one or more ofthe flexible tension members of the first exercise machine to the matinginterconnection means of the second exercise machine. In this manner, aresistance/assistance link is provided between the two exercise machinesand provides the option of performing various exercises that cannot beperformed with a single exercise machine. In addition, the exercisemachines could be used at the same time to exercise multiple body partssimultaneously.

In another such alternate embodiment, support legs are provided in placeof means for promoting translation of the housing (e.g., wheels). Thelegs elevate the unit and allow it to be used like a stool with aretracting and adjustable resistance system.

In yet another such alternate embodiment, a housing with means forpromoting translation of the housing and linked accessory pad asdiscussed above is provided, but without a resistive force apparatus.Such an exercise machine could be made taller such that it can be usedas a cardio step (e.g., when turned over). Sections of the linkedaccessory pad can be wrapped around the housing to create additionalheight for such a cardio step. This simple, inexpensive embodiment couldbe used to perform a quick, full body workout that targets the majormuscle groups and that provides a cardiovascular benefit with just ahandful of fun and effective exercises.

In summary, exercise machines in accordance with the inventivedisclosures made herein are versatile, relatively inexpensive andlightweight, convenient to store and transport, and can be used toperform exercises that burn fat, that improve cardiovascular health,that strengthen muscles, and that tone and sculpt the upper body, thetorso and the lower body. Such exercise machines can be outfitted withwheels for creating a comfortable and stable rolling platform thatenable a user to perform other movements and exercises that will stretchligaments, tendons and muscles, improve flexibility and increase corebody strength. A set of linked accessory pads can be used to cushionvarious parts of the user's body, and the link prevents the accessorypads from slipping apart during exercise and also will allow the pads tobe conveniently wrapped around and fixed to the housing of the exercisemachine for convenient storage and transportation.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have beendescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitableembodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical andelectrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention. For example, functional blocks shown in thefigures could be further combined or divided in any manner withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoidunnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known tothose skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is,therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forthherein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives,modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within thespirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. An exercise machine, comprising: a housing having a plurality ofexterior faces; and a resistive force apparatus attached to the housing,wherein the resistive force apparatus includes a plurality of flexibletension members each having an end accessible at one of said exteriorfaces of the housing, wherein each one of said flexible tension membersis movable between a respective retracted position and a respectiveextended position with respect to the housing and wherein each one ofsaid flexible tension members is biased to its respective retractedposition.
 2. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein at least one ofsaid flexible tension members has a first end thereof and a second endthereof each accessible at at least one of said exterior faces.
 3. Theexercise machine of claim 2 wherein the first end is accessible at afirst one of said exterior faces and the second end is accessible at asecond one of said exterior faces.
 4. The exercise machine of claim 1wherein: each one of said flexible tension members extends through arespective friction reducing mechanism mounted on the housing; therespective friction reducing mechanism for each one of said flexibletension members is spaced apart from each other respective frictionreducing mechanism; and the respective friction reducing mechanism foreach one of said flexible tension members enables a corresponding one ofsaid flexible tension members to be extended in a plurality of differentorientations with limited friction and wear of said flexible tensionmembers.
 5. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein: the resistive forceapparatus includes a plurality of guide member assemblies attached tothe housing; and each one of said guide member assemblies has at leastone of said flexible tension members at least partially wrappedtherearound.
 6. The exercise machine of claim 5 wherein: at least one ofsaid guide member assemblies includes stacked guide members; and eachone of said stacked guide members has at least one of said flexibletension members at least partially wrapped therearound
 7. The exercisemachine of claim 5 wherein at least a portion of said guide memberassemblies includes rotationally mounted guide members.
 8. The exercisemachine of claim 5 wherein: each one of said flexible tension members isresilient, whereby elongation of one of said flexible tension membersresults in a respective resistive force being generated by said one ofsaid flexible tension members; and a magnitude of said respectiveresistive force is dependent upon a magnitude of said elongation.
 9. Theexercise machine of claim 8 wherein a first one of said flexible tensionmembers exhibits a different level of resilience than a second one ofsaid flexible tension members, whereby the first one of said flexibletension members produces a respective resistive force different than arespective resistive force of the second one of said flexible tensionmembers for a given degree of elongation.
 10. The exercise machine ofclaim 9 wherein a first end of each one of said flexible tension membersis accessible at a first one of said exterior faces and a second end ofeach one of said flexible tension members is accessible at a second oneof said exterior faces.
 11. The exercise machine of claim 10 wherein atleast a portion of said guide member assemblies includes rotationallymounted guide members.
 12. The exercise machine of claim 7 wherein eachone of said flexible tension members engage a same set of said guidemember assemblies.
 13. The exercise machine of claim 12 wherein: eachone of said guide member assemblies includes stacked guide members; andeach one of said stacked guide members has each one of said flexibletension members at least partially wrapped therearound.
 14. The exercisemachine of claim 12 wherein at least a portion of said guide memberassemblies includes rotationally mounted guide members.
 15. The exercisemachine of claim 7 wherein: at least one of said guide member assembliesincludes stacked guide members; and each one of said stacked guidemembers has at least one of said flexible tension members at leastpartially wrapped therearound.
 16. The exercise machine of claim 15wherein at least a portion of said guide member assemblies includesrotationally mounted guide members.
 17. The exercise machine of claim 1wherein: each one of said flexible tension members is resilient, wherebyelongation of one of said flexible tension members results in arespective resistive force being generated by said one of said flexibletension members; and a magnitude of said respective resistive force isdependent upon a magnitude of said elongation.
 18. The exercise machineof claim 17 wherein a first one of said flexible tension membersexhibits a different level of resilience than a second one of saidflexible tension members, whereby the first one of said flexible tensionmembers produces a respective resistive force different than arespective resistive force of the second one of said flexible tensionmembers for a given degree of elongation.
 19. The exercise machine ofclaim 18 wherein a first end of each one of said flexible tensionmembers is accessible at a first one of said exterior faces and a secondend of each one of said flexible tension members is accessible at asecond one of said exterior faces.
 20. The exercise machine of claim 17wherein: each one of said flexible tension members extends through arespective friction reducing mechanism mounted on the housing; therespective friction reducing mechanism for each one of said flexibletension members is spaced apart from each other respective frictionreducing mechanism; and the respective friction reducing mechanism foreach one of said flexible tension members enables a corresponding one ofsaid flexible tension members to be extended in a plurality of differentorientations with limited friction and wear of said flexible tensionmembers.
 21. The exercise machine of claim 17 wherein a first end ofeach one of said flexible tension members is accessible at a first oneof said exterior faces and a second end of each one of said flexibletension members is accessible at a second one of said exterior faces.22. The exercise machine of claim 17 wherein each one of said flexibletension members engage a same set of said guide member assemblies. 23.The exercise machine of claim 22 wherein at least a portion of saidguide member assemblies includes rotationally mounted guide members. 24.The exercise machine of claim 22 wherein: each one of said guide memberassemblies includes stacked guide members; and each one of said stackedguide members has each one of said flexible tension members at leastpartially wrapped therearound.
 25. The exercise machine of claim 1wherein the resistive force apparatus includes one of a weightedflywheel arrangement, a frictional force arrangement and a springarrangement, which is coupled to one of said flexible tension membersfor imparting a resistive force thereon.
 26. The exercise machine ofclaim 1, further comprising: means for promoting translation of thehousing with respect to a supporting exercise surface.
 27. The exercisemachine of claim 26 wherein said means for promoting translationincludes at least one of a wheel, a roller and a friction reducingslider member.
 28. The exercise machine of claim 26 wherein: the housinghas a plurality of corners; said means for promoting translationincludes a plurality of wheels attached to the housing; and at least oneof said wheels is attached to the housing proximate a respective one ofsaid corners of the housing.
 29. The exercise machine of claim 1,further comprising: an accessory pad configured for being detachablymounted on the housing.
 30. The exercise machine of claim 1, furthercomprising: an accessory pad including a first section and a secondsection, wherein the first section is joined to the second section by aflexible link, whereby the first section and the second section arepositionable on a supporting exercise surface at various distances fromeach with the flexible link defining a maximum separation distancetherebetween.
 31. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising: asupport pad exposed at one of said exterior faces of the housing,thereby defining a corresponding support surface; an accessory pad atleast one of being configured for being detachably mounted on thehousing and having a plurality of linked sections; and means forpromoting translation of the housing with respect to a supportingexercise surface, wherein said means for enabling translation isattached to at least one of said exterior faces; wherein: each one ofsaid flexible tension members is resilient, whereby elongation of one ofsaid flexible tension members results in a respective resistive forcebeing generated by said one of said flexible tension members; amagnitude of said respective resistive force is dependent upon amagnitude of said elongation; a first one of said flexible tensionmembers exhibits a different level of resilience than a second one ofsaid flexible tension members, whereby the first one of said flexibletension members produces a respective resistive force different than arespective resistive force of the second one of said flexible tensionmembers for a given degree of elongation; the resistive force apparatusincludes a plurality of guide member assemblies attached to the housing;each one of said guide member assemblies has at least one of saidflexible tension members at least partially wrapped therearound; theaccessory pad includes a first section and a second section; at least aportion of said guide member assemblies includes rotationally mountedguide members; and the first section is joined to the second section bya flexible link, whereby the first section and the second section arepositionable on a supporting exercise surface at various distances fromeach with the flexible link defining a maximum separation distancetherebetween.
 32. An exercise machine, comprising: a housing having aplurality of exterior faces; and a resistive force apparatus attached tothe housing, wherein the resistive force apparatus includes at least oneresilient tension member having an end accessible at one of saidexterior faces of the housing and being retractably mounted on thehousing, wherein elongation of said at least one resilient tensionmember results in a respective resistive force being generated by saidat least one resilient tension member, and wherein a magnitude of saidrespective resistive force is dependent upon a magnitude of saidelongation.
 33. The exercise machine of claim 32 wherein: said at leastone resilient tension member extends through a respective frictionreducing mechanism mounted on the housing; the respective frictionreducing mechanism for said at least one resilient tension member isspaced apart from each other respective friction reducing mechanism; andthe respective friction reducing mechanism for said at least oneresilient tension member enables said at least one resilient tensionmember to be extended in a plurality of different orientations withlimited friction and wear of said at least one resilient tension member.34. The exercise machine of claim 32 wherein: the resistive forceapparatus includes a plurality of guide member assemblies attached tothe housing; and said at least one resilient tension member is at leastpartially wrapped around at least a portion of said guide memberassemblies.
 35. The exercise machine of claim 34 wherein at least aportion of said guide member assemblies includes rotationally mountedguide members.
 36. The exercise machine of claim 34 wherein: at leastone of said guide member assemblies includes stacked guide members; andsaid at least one resilient tension member is at least partially wrappedaround at least a portion of said stacked guide members.
 37. Theexercise machine of claim 36 wherein at least a portion of said guidemember assemblies includes rotationally mounted guide members.
 38. Theexercise machine of claim 32 wherein: the resistive force apparatusincludes a plurality of resilient tension members; and a first one ofsaid resilient tension members exhibits a different level of resiliencethan a second one of said resilient tension members, whereby the firstone of said resilient tension members produces a respective resistiveforce different than a respective resistive force of the second one ofsaid resilient tension members for a given degree of elongation.
 39. Theexercise machine of claim 38 wherein a first end of each one of saidresilient tension members is accessible at a first one of said exteriorfaces and a second end of each one of said resilient tension members isaccessible at a second one of said exterior faces.
 40. The exercisemachine of claim 38 wherein: the resistive force apparatus includes aplurality of guide member assemblies attached to the housing; and eachone of said guide member assemblies has at least one of said resilienttension members at least partially wrapped therearound.
 41. The exercisemachine of claim 40 wherein: at least one of said guide memberassemblies includes stacked guide members; and each one of said stackedguide members has at least one of said resilient tension members atleast partially wrapped therearound.
 42. The exercise machine of claim38 wherein: each one of said resilient tension members extends through arespective friction reducing mechanism mounted on the housing; therespective friction reducing mechanism for each one of said resilienttension members is spaced apart from each other respective frictionreducing mechanism; and the respective friction reducing mechanism foreach one of said resilient tension members enables a corresponding oneof said resilient tension members to be extended in a plurality ofdifferent orientations with limited friction and wear of said resilienttension members.
 43. The exercise machine of claim 32, furthercomprising: means for promoting translation of the housing with respectto a supporting exercise surface.
 44. The exercise machine of claim 43wherein said means for promoting translation includes at least one of awheel, a roller and a friction reducing slider member.
 45. The exercisemachine of claim 43 wherein: the housing has a plurality of corners;said means for promoting translation includes a plurality of wheelsattached to the housing; and at least one of said wheels is attached tothe housing proximate a respective one of said corners of the housing.46. The exercise machine of claim 32 wherein: a first one of saidresilient tension members exhibits a different level of resilience thana second one of said resilient tension members, whereby the first one ofsaid resilient tension members produces a respective resistive forcedifferent than a respective resistive force of the second one of saidresilient tension members for a given degree of elongation; a first endof each one of said resilient tension members is accessible at a firstone of said exterior faces and a second end of each one of saidresilient tension members is accessible at a second one of said exteriorfaces; the resistive force apparatus includes a plurality of guidemember assemblies attached to the housing; each one of said guide memberassemblies has at least one of said resilient tension members at leastpartially wrapped therearound; at least one of said guide memberassemblies includes stacked guide members; each one of said stackedguide members has at least one of said resilient tension members atleast partially wrapped therearound; each one of said resilient tensionmembers extends through a respective friction reducing mechanism mountedon the housing; the respective friction reducing mechanism for each oneof said resilient tension members is spaced apart from each otherrespective friction reducing mechanism; at least a portion of said guidemember assemblies includes rotationally mounted guide members; and therespective friction reducing mechanism for each one of said resilienttension members enables a corresponding one of said resilient tensionmembers to be extended in a plurality of different orientations withlimited friction and wear of said resilient tension members.
 47. Theexercise machine of claim 32, further comprising: an accessory pad,wherein the housing includes an accessory pad receptacle in an exteriorsurface thereof and the accessory pad is removably mounted therein. 48.The exercise machine of claim 47 wherein the accessory pad receptacleextends through a bottom face of the housing.
 49. An exercise system,comprising: an exercise machine including a housing and a resistiveforce apparatus attached to the housing, wherein the resistive forceapparatus includes a plurality of flexible tension members eachaccessible at at least one of a plurality of exterior faces of thehousing, wherein each one of said flexible tension members is movablebetween a respective retracted position and a respective extendedposition with respect to the housing and wherein each one of saidflexible tension members is biased to its respective retracted position;an accessory pad at least one of being configured for being detachablymounted on the housing and having a plurality of linked sections; and aforce application device removably attached to the housing, wherein theforce application device is configured for at least one of being grippedby a first one of a user's appendage and being strapped to a second oneof the user's appendage.
 50. The exercise system of claim 49 wherein theforce application device is configured for facilitating carrying of theexercise machine when attached to the housing and for enabling extensionof at least one of said flexible tension members when detached from thehousing and attached to at least one of said flexible tension members.51. The exercise system of claim 49 wherein: the housing includes anaccessory pad receptacle therein and the accessory pad is positionablewithin the accessory pad receptacle.
 52. The exercise system of claim 49wherein: the accessory pad includes a first section and a secondsection; and the first section is joined to the second section by aflexible link, whereby the first section and the second section arepositionable on a supporting exercise surface at various distances fromeach with the flexible link defining a maximum separation distancetherebetween.
 53. The exercise system of claim 49 wherein: each one ofsaid flexible tension members is resilient, whereby elongation of one ofsaid flexible tension members results in a respective resistive forcebeing generated by said one of said flexible tension members; and amagnitude of said respective resistive force is dependent upon amagnitude of said elongation.
 54. The exercise system of claim 53wherein a first one of said flexible tension members exhibits adifferent level of resilience than a second one of said flexible tensionmembers, whereby the first one of said flexible tension members producesa respective resistive force different than a respective resistive forceof the second one of said flexible tension members for a given degree ofelongation.
 55. The exercise system of claim 54 wherein a first end ofeach one of said flexible tension members is accessible at a first oneof said exterior faces and a second end of each one of said flexibletension members is accessible at a second one of said exterior faces.56. The exercise system of claim 53 wherein: each one of said flexibletension members extends through a respective friction reducing mechanismmounted on the housing; the respective friction reducing mechanism foreach one of said flexible tension members is spaced apart from eachother respective friction reducing mechanism; and the respectivefriction reducing mechanism for each one of said flexible tensionmembers enables a corresponding one of said flexible tension members tobe extended in a plurality of different orientations with limitedfriction and wear of said flexible tension members.
 57. The exercisesystem of claim 49 wherein the resistive force apparatus includes one ofa weighted flywheel arrangement, a frictional force arrangement and aspring arrangement, which is coupled to one of said flexible tensionmembers for imparting a resistive force thereon.
 58. The exercise systemof claim 49 wherein: the force application device is configured forfacilitating carrying of the exercise machine when attached to thehousing and for enabling extension of at least one of said flexibletension members when detached from the housing and attached to at leastone of said flexible tension members; each one of said flexible tensionmembers is resilient, whereby elongation of one of said flexible tensionmembers results in a respective resistive force being generated by saidone of said flexible tension members; a magnitude of said respectiveresistive force is dependent upon a magnitude of said elongation; afirst one of said flexible tension members exhibits a different level ofresilience than a second one of said flexible tension members, wherebythe first one of said flexible tension members produces a respectiveresistive force different than a respective resistive force of thesecond one of said flexible tension members for a given degree ofelongation; each one of said flexible tension members extends through arespective friction reducing mechanism mounted on the housing; therespective friction reducing mechanism for each one of said flexibletension members is spaced apart from each other respective frictionreducing mechanism; the respective friction reducing mechanism for eachone of said flexible tension members enables a corresponding one of saidflexible tension members to be extended in a plurality of differentorientations with limited friction and wear of said flexible tensionmembers; the accessory pad includes a first section and a secondsection; and the first section is joined to the second section by aflexible link, whereby the first section and the second section arepositionable on a supporting exercise surface at various distances fromeach with the flexible link defining a maximum separation distancetherebetween.